The budget crisis in Illinois has officially hit DeWitt County's economic development agency hard.

Thursday afternoon, it was announced the DeWitt County Development Council has laid off staff and Executive Director Ruth Stauffer says she continues to work to bring financial stability to the agency.

As of right now, with no funding, Stauffer has officially become a volunteer but is optimistic DCDC will find the funds necessary to get themselves back up and running.

Stauffer says while things appear gloomy for the area, Clinton and DeWitt County will get through this as they have many challenges in the past.